/funk/

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The word funk refers to a strong odor. It is originally derived from Latin "fumigare" (which means "to smoke") via Old French "fungiere" and, in this sense, it was first documented in English in 1620.

In 1784 "funky" meaning "musty" was first documented, which, in turn, led to a sense of "earthy" that was taken up around 1900 in early jazz slang for something "deeply or strongly felt".

In early jam sessions, musicians would encourage one another to "get down" by telling one another, "Now, put some stank on it!".

As late as the early 1960s, when "funk" and "funky" were used increasingly in the context of jazz music, the terms still were considered indelicate and inappropriate for use in polite company but used to explain to other musicians that their music should be made more syncopated and danceable.

The style later evolved into a rather hard-driving, insistent rhythm, implying a more carnal quality.